An early look ahead to Nebraska-Ohio State

When Nebraska joined the Big Ten Conference in 2010, there’s no doubt that this was one matchup the powers that be and fans alike were looking forward to – Nebraska and Ohio State. After all, you have two storied programs that play in storied venues. 

If Saturday’s game in Columbus is anything like last year’s contest in Lincoln, we should be in for a treat. Last season, Nebraska rallied from a 27-6 third quarter deficit to win 34-27 thanks in large part to LaVonte David, Taylor Martinez and Rex Burkhead. Both teams enter the weekend coming off emotional victories. No. 21 Nebraska rallied from a 27-10 deficit to beat Wisconsin 30-27 at home while No. 12 Ohio State defeated Michigan State 17-16 on the road.

Nebraska’s win over a Wisconsin club that had been struggling, and continues to, was crucial for psychological reasons. Ohio State is ineligible for Big Ten Championship and bowl games this year based on NCAA sanctions but under new head coach Urban Meyer, the Buckeyes are using 2012 to lay the groundwork for future success. Ohio State enters Saturday’s game as a 5-point favorite. 

This Husker defense has taken its knocks but has bounced back admirably. The offensive struggles (two turnovers inside the Wisconsin 25) put them in some bad spots against the Badgers, but the defense rose to the challenge and played lights out in the second half. I don’t know what was said at halftime, but that was a different defense in the second half.

Over the past two years, I’ve seen opposing runners get hit at the line of scrimmage and fall forward for four more yards. I’ve seen a lot of Nebraska defenders make tackles in the run game, but not a lot of gang tackling. That was not the case in the second half against Wisconsin. Against arguably one of the best running backs (Montee Ball) in the nation, the Huskers were ferocious against the run (as in 56 yards on 41 carries). For the first time in a long time, I felt confident that they could stop a team in short-yardage situations.

There was a new confidence that I don’t think I’ve seen since 2010. Wisconsin’s offensive line, despite the coaching staff turmoil, still averages around 320 pounds but the Husker line got some penetration, fought off blocks, and they met the back at the point of attack and didn’t give up ground. I know it’s two days after a great win, and emotions are still bubbling over, but hopefully this defense turned the corner.

The offense was sloppy at times, very crisp at other times. If not for giving the Badgers a short field with turnovers, this could have easily been a 17-point win for Nebraska – but it wasn’t. I still think that the Huskers have a potent offense, and running back Ameer Abdullah might be the Husker MVP so far, with apologies to Martinez. I love Rex Burkhead but I think he’s still shaking off some rust from his knee injury in the season-opening game. He still seems hesitant at times when he needed to just hit the hole and go. However, I have no doubt he’ll round into form. Having some competition behind him can be nothing but a good thing. The offense has the potential to be explosive. Martinez still needs to clean up some things but I think he showed more confidence in his running than he has in quite a while.

Nebraska moved the ball well against Ohio State last year, and I see no reason why the Huskers can’t do it again this year because they are much better offensively than a year ago. Ohio State, however, has one common denominator that was a headache for Nebraska last season and is the central figure behind the Buckeyes’ 5-0 start – quarterback Braxton Miller. Before leaving last season’s game in Lincoln in the third quarter with an ankle injury, Miller’s feet frustrated Nebraska for 91 yards on 10 carries. Miller left the game with the Buckeyes leading 27-13 before giving way to the statue-esque Joe Bauserman. Bo Pelini defenses have struggled in the past against mobile quarterbacks like Miller.

Last season, it was only Miller’s third career start when he visited Lincoln, and his first on the road. He’s grown up quite a bit since and now with a coach that knows how to develop quarterbacks, which makes him an even tougher cover.

While Wisconsin is more of a classic Big Ten team than mixes I-formation or “12 personnel” (one running, two tight ends), Ohio State is a spread team that does not throw very well (ranked 98th in the nation). They depend largely on the athletic ability of Miller and he is the Huskers No. 1 priority in limiting as the Buckeyes offense that is ranked 21st in rushing and Miller is their leading rusher by far. The team is built around him. Of course, controlling him is easier said than done.

Ohio State just faced the toughest defense they will see all season in Michigan St., which pushed them into three turnovers. One thing I notice from Miller is that as much as he runs, he rarely secures the ball at contact, which has caused him to fumble quite often. The question is, will Pelini (normally one for a 4-3 alignment) play more 3-4?

While it could be said about any game, Nebraska has to protect the ball on offense and not fall behind early. Meyer coached teams are not going to surrender a 17-21 point lead.

Whatever happens next Saturday in Columbus will likely speak very loudly about the current status of the Huskers. At this point, I’m still not at all sure where they stand. Ohio State is likely the best all-around team Nebraska face in the regular season.

Vegas odds for Husker win total 8.5

In the gambling world you frequently hear sports media types say, “For entertainment purposes only,” when it comes to point spreads on a particular game or a team’s projected win-loss total entering the season.

Entering the 2012 campaign, Las Vegas odds makers have Nebraska’s win total at 8.5 for the present time. While the Huskers 2012 schedule has its landmines, at this juncture, I would lean toward betting the over. Eight wins or fewer would be a disappointment, to be brutally honest.

The defense took a step back last season and the cynics would say that the Huskers are losing their top three players (DT Jared Crick, LB LaVonte David and CB Alfonso Dennard). Those players were never on the field at the same time.

David had a spectacular season, one of the best by a linebacker in Nebraska history. He will be missed. If not for him, the Huskers could have easily been 7-6 last season instead of 9-4. Crick, however, missed all of four games with a torn pectoral muscle and even the games he played Crick was a shadow of his old self. Dennard missed the first three games because of a hamstring injury but the loss of fellow cornerback Prince Amukamara meant that teams would not throw at Dennard anyhow. 

I believe the Huskers will sharpen their teeth again defensively in 2012 because those same players who were thrust into bigger roles sooner than anticipated will be better and if anything the defense will have more cohesion.

On the offensive side, you know full well that running back Rex Burkhead will get his yards but there is a difference between being the focal point of the offense and being the offense. Too often last season he was the latter. As long as quarterback Taylor Martinez stays healthy, nine wins should be the minimum expectation. If Martinez can continue to improve as a passer and if the receivers make routine catches, then ten wins is a strong possibility. Eleven wins would be a great season but for that goal to be reached the team will need to have a plus-turnover differential, which means getting timely takeaways on defense and protecting the ball on offense.

The two-week stretch that stands out is Sept. 29 at home against Wisconsin and Oct. 6 at Ohio State. While Montee Ball returns at running back the former is expected to take a step back but is also the favorite by default to win the Leaders division because Ohio State is not eligible to play in the Big Ten Title Game or a bowl game based on NCAA sanctions. The Buckeyes, however, are expected to improve significantly under new head coach Urban Meyer after suffering their first losing season since 1998. Meyer has a career record of 104-23 and there’s no reason to think he won’t get results at Ohio State.

This game will be a very telling point of Nebraska’s Big Ten season. If the Huskers go to Columbus and get their doors blown like they did in 48-17 and 45-17 losses to Wisconsin and Michigan respectively, then the 2012 season is looking a lot like the 2011 campaign when the Huskers went 9-4. If the game is close either way or if Nebraska wins decisively, then an 11-plus win season is possible.

Offseason Q&A to whet your palate

So it’s only June and Nebraska’s first game is not for another 10 weeks or so. Well, it’s September 1 at home against Southern Mississippi to be exact. Once the last game ends, you always have questions running through your head as it pertains to next season and after the Huskers’ season-ending 30-13 Capital One Bowl loss to South Carolina, there are plenty of questions.

The ones running through my head at the present time for Nebraska are as follows:

Will Taylor Martinez be the quarterback fans and media hope he can be? Will his game management and decision making improve? Most importantly will he change his throwing form so he looks like a quarterback passing to a receiver instead of a shortstop throwing off his back foot?

Martinez may never become a great quarterback but his management and decision making actually did improve last season. Most Husker fans remember his three-interception performance against Wisconsin in a 48-17 loss but what also bears mentioning is that he had a four-game streak with no interceptions. Martinez’s suspect mechanics have been a hot topic but the fact that he has spent part of the offseason working with quarterback guru Steve Calhoun, whose work in getting former Auburn quarterback Cam Newton to ascend to Heisman Trophy winner who led his team to a National Title in 2010 is especially significant. The fact that Martinez is taking the time to address his mechanics can only be a good thing.

Will Rex Burkhead show that he's not just a talented running back but an All American caliber stud by making a Heisman run?

Like most Husker fans, I love everything about Burkhead and what he stands for as a player and as a person. Nebraska is extremely fortunately having someone like him as the face of the program. However, Burkhead as a Heisman candidate is a longshot at best. For starters, Nebraska offensive coordinator Tim Beck will likely try to reduce Burkhead’s workload to a) diversify the offense and b) keep him fresh. Plus, you have to understand “how” Burkhead gets his yards. Burkhead is the kind of back that if he carries the ball say 30 times for 155 yards and two touchdowns it is more likely to be a steady diet of 4, 6, 8 yards with an occasional 20-yarder than it is breaking off a 60-yarder that gets on Sportscenter. Let’s face it, in our style over substance society, the Sportscenter plays get noticed.

How will the Husker defense move forward without LaVonte David?

Nebraska has had its share of great linebackers throughout the years such as Trev Alberts, Tom Novak, Broderick Thomas, Barrett Ruud, Jerry Murtugh, Ed Stewart and Marc Munford. David definitely belongs in that conversation. Will Compton had a strong finish to the 2011 season and the Huskers will need him to find that extra gear this season and there’s no reason to think he won’t.

Will Cameron Meredith find a haircut and facial hair combination that doesn't make him look creepy in team photos?

An even bigger issue is will Meredith Cameron Meredith get some speed and power back in his body. The guy got shoved around a lot last year, and looked very slow. With all the talking he does, you’d think he might back it up at some point. I hope he or the coaches find a way to get more production. I’ve seen enough patty cake.

Will Nebraska fans ever be able to say “We’re Back” instead of “We’re close to being back?”

Bo Pelini made headlines after Nebraska’s 33-0 shutout win over Arizona in the 2009 Holiday Bowl when he said: “Nebraska’s back and we’re here to stay.” That win capped off a 10-4 season in which the Huskers won six of their last seven. However, Nebraska followed that season with a 10-4 campaign in 2010 and 9-4 in 2011. Granted, the program is in much better shape than the Bill Callahan years but considering that 1999 was the program’s last conference title, fans are getting restless.  

With Carl Pelini gone as defensive coordinator, will Bo Pelini become more hands-on with the defense?

Bo Pelini’s hands have always been on the defense. Don’t let anyone fool you into thinking otherwise.

Will Tim Beck’s offense click into the monster machine it has the potential to be?

Beck certainly has a lot of talent at his disposal and going through a year without having to revamp the offense will be a plus. It all comes down to the health and progress of Martinez and the health of Burkhead.

Will Brett Maher kick a 58 yard field goal?

I’ll say 53.

Will Nebraska finally make a BCS game or win a conference championship game?

Definitely possible. The Legends Division will be a three-horse race between Nebraska, Michigan and Michigan State. The schedule features more swing games than at any time in recent history. The 2013 season would appear more likely because Wisconsin and Ohio State will be replaced by Purdue and Illinois in the crossover games. However, that argument is somewhat hollow because if you win your division you’ll have to face Wisconsin or Ohio State in the Big 10 Conference Title Game anyway.

Revisiting the win over Ohio State

It’s amazing what watching the replay of a game seven months later can do. I just got done watching the DVR recording of the Big Ten Network’s airing of Nebraska football’s thrilling, and frankly stunning, 34-27 come-from-behind win over the Ohio State Buckeyes on October 8.

You truly have to reassess the circumstances to appreciate the situation. Ohio State was a scandal-ridden program that had various players coming off of five-game suspensions because they were found to have sold awards, gifts and university apparel, plus receive improper benefits in 2009. In addition to missing five games in 2011, those players had repay money and benefits ranging in value from $1,000 to $2,500. The repayments needed to be made to a charity.

The Buckeyes entered the game 3-2 but looked like they couldn’t walk and chew gum at the same time, especially on offense. Ohio State lost 10-7 at home against Michigan State (the same club Nebraska throttled 24-3 at home later in the month) the previous week. Nebraska, meanwhile, was 4-1 but coming off an embarrassing 48-17 loss at Wisconsin in its Big Ten debut on National TV. The Huskers as a team played a horrendous game and took a lot of heat (deservedly so in some cases) from local and national media alike. Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez especially took a lot of heat for his 11-of-22 passing performance with no touchdowns and three interceptions. Head coach Bo Pelini also took his share of slings and arrows.  

The victory over Ohio State was a psychological win for the Huskers. No matter how much Ohio State had become just another program, you don't rally from a 27-6 deficit to win without having some testicular fortitude. The Buckeyes finished 6-7 including a 21-14 Gator Bowl loss to Florida.

Entering the Ohio State game, negativity was at a fever pitch among Husker fans and media alike after the aforementioned loss to Wisconsin. After the Ohio State game, Nebraska had a bye week followed by a road game at Minnesota. If you thought negativity among the Nebraska fan base and media was bad entering the Ohio State game, one could only fathom how things would have been with consecutive losses going into a bye week.

In the first half, the Buckeyes ran through Nebraska like Roseanne Barr at an all-you-can-eat buffet to the tune of 246 yards of offense in the first half. OSU freshman quarterback Braxton Miller rushed for 79 and passed for 68. For the second time in as many weeks, the Huskers looked like stumblebums on defense. The offense certainly wasn't pulling its weight either.

Sometimes, however, one play can change a game if not the course of a season. Nebraska linebacker LaVonte David's play in the third quarter was the difference in Nebraska’s season. Granted, the Huskers finished 9-4 including a 30-13 Capital One Bowl loss to South Carolina. However, without David’s brilliance, the Huskers very easily could have gone 7-6. In the first half of the Ohio State game, the Husker defense looked lost on defense, perhaps still reeling from the Wisconsin loss. OSU led 20-6 at halftime. Pelini, who is known as a defensive guru, seemed at a loss for solutions. That Nebraska deficit later became 27-6.  

Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller made his way through traffic for a 7-yard gain but like a thief in the night, David ripped the ball from the hands of the 6-3, 210-pound quarterback. From there, it was all Huskers. Yes, Nebraska caught a break when the mobile Miller had to leave the game with an ankle injury. His replacement (Joe Bauserman) went 1 for 7 for 13 yards. However, it should also be pointed out that David made the play with Miller in the game. Also, Miller does not play defense.

With Martinez, you had to look beyond his numbers. Yes, he completed 16 of 22 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns and one interception. He also added a rushing touchdown, 95 yards on 16 carries. However, besides his end-of-the-first-half interception, Martinez bounced back well from the previous week’s performance at Wisconsin. He did a better job of checking down to receivers this week, and overall he showed more poise and confidence. ABC color commentator Matt Millen kept harping on how Martinez lacks the ability to stretch the field. It's funny. Against Wisconsin, Martinez was being criticized for forcing the ball downfield into coverage and not checking down to underneath receivers. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

What more can you say about running back Rex Burkhead? 119 yards on 26 carries and a touchdown. Nebraska rushed for 144 yards in the fourth quarter, against the 13th ranked defense in the country.

What did the Ohio State win mean in the grand spectrum of things? Well, mathematically it meant the Huskers are 5-1 overall and 1-1 in the Big Ten. What might have happened, however, had Nebraska lost that game? The Huskers went on to beat Minnesota (41-14) and Michigan State (24-3). Nebraska alternated outcomes the rest of the way with a home loss to Northwestern (28-25), a road win at Penn State (17-14), a road loss at Michigan (45-17), a home win against Iowa (20-7) and the aforementioned bowl loss to South Carolina.

So what did the win over Ohio State mean? Mathematically, not much because after that game the Huskers went 4-3. Without that win, Nebraska probably still beats God-awful Minnesota, which went 3-9 but maybe not by 27 points but that’s the only game with conviction you can say the Huskers win.  

As disappointing as 9-4 may seem, and no I don’t think it should be the Gold standard, just remember how truly disconcerting the season would have been without the Ohio State win.

Can the defense sharpen its teeth?

While Nebraska was decent defensively in 2011, it was not the authoritative bunch that was on display in 2009 and to a lesser extent 2010. Part of that dropoff can be attributed to the season-ending injury to defensive tackle Jared Crick (torn pectoral muscle) in Week 5.

However, the Husker defense was having issues even before Crick was put on the shelf for the season. There were bright spots, most notably in a 24-3 win over Michigan State and the second half dominance that fueled a 34-27 come-from-behind win over Ohio State in addition to the unit’s outstanding effort in a 20-7 win over Iowa.

Nebraska did finish pretty well (Top 40) statistically but for much of the 2011 campaign, the Huskers were a pretty average club. Nebraska finished 37th in total defense and 42nd in scoring defense. The Huskers finished tied for 18th in passing defense and 34th in pass efficiency defense.

However, the Huskers were tied for 72nd in interceptions (with 10), tied for 84th in sacks (21), and 64th in rushing defense. Nebraska also finished with a minus-1 turnover margin with 18 takeaways and had 19 giveaways. This tells me they need to get far more pressure on opposing teams quarterbacks to force mistakes that lead to turnovers, and to increase sack numbers.

In Bo Pelini’s four seasons as head coach, there have been some dominant defensive players such as Ndamukong Suh, LaVonte David, Alfonzo Dennard, Prince Amukamara, Dejon Gomes, Phillip Dillard and Larry Asante. Only David was not on the roster for the Huskers 2009 defense that allowed only 10 points per game, best in the nation.

The defense was probably the best in the Big 12 in 2010, but a keen eye could see chinks in the armor. They had difficulty stopping a mobile quarterback. They relied too much on their potent, if inconsistent, offense to create plays.

In 2011, with Carl Pelini as defensive coordinator, Nebraska’s defense failed the team when they needed them most. Wisconsin and Michigan made the Husker defense look awful. In the Capital One Bowl loss to South Carolina, the Husker defense failed at crucial times. Despite losing key pieces like Crick, David and Dennard, 2012 has the potential to be a very good year for the defense.

Of course, some would see the coaching staff changes as a negative because change normally takes time to adapt.

After defensive coordinator Carl Pelini took the head coaching job at Florida Atlantic, Bo Pelini promoted John Papuchis from defensive line coach to defensive coordinator. He also hired Rick Kaczenski from Iowa to replace Papuchis on the defensive line. Kaczenski brought with him an impressive resume that included All-Americans during his time as defensive line coach for the Hawkeyes.

After Husker defensive backs coach Corey Raymond accepted the same position at alma mater LSU, Pelini scooped Terry Joseph from Tennessee to replace him. Joseph, cousin of former Husker Mickey Joseph, coached a stellar Volunteer defensive backfield for three years.

True, it takes time to get used coaches and their approach but these changes might be the shot in the arm the Huskers need. Kaczenski and Joseph inherit some pretty solid depth at their respective positions.

There is no Crick, David or Dennard but instead of leaning heavily on All-Americans, the Huskers will need to rely on each other and the scheme. However, it never hurts to have a game-changer.

Nebraska Will Repay the Favor to Wisconsin

Taylor Martinez is looking to perform better vs Wisconsin in 2012.

Almost exactly a year after Nebraska was humiliated in front of a national audience in their Big Ten opener, Taylor Martinez and the Cornhuskers will be better prepared to face a Wisconsin team without standout quarterback Russell Wilson and a defense not as talented or salty as they were in 2011. They will still have to stop running back Montee Ball, but, without a deep threat and somebody to throw it and take the pressure off the running backs, Nebraska will sell out and blitz over and over again.

The beating might not be as bad as the wood the Badgers laid to the Huskers in Madison in 2011, but it will be bad. Nebraska's defense will show up in a big way, Rex Burkhead will have over 150 yards rushing, and the Huskers will win by more than three touchdowns to start off their second season in the Big Ten with a bang.

Taylor Martinez Will Complete More Than 65% of His Passes

Taylor Martinez will fix this throwing motion
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Let's face it. Taylor Martinez's throwing motion reminds you more of Tim Tebow than it does any other quarterback in college of the NFL. If anything, this prediction is the hardest of all to imagine. The guy just doesn't throw very well or with any sort of accuracy.

There is good news, though. Martinez is dedicated to keeping his starting job. We know this because he spent his spring break not schmoozing with girlfriend and Nebraska volleyball player Lauren Cook but in California with a throwing expert (by the way, what's up with Nebraska football and volleyball players dating? I just heard Roy Helu and Dani Mancuso are getting married).

The best news on the planet for Taylor Martinez: the Nebraska running game will take pressure off him in the pocket. With Rex Burkhead, Ameer Abdullah, and Aaron Green forming a formidable backfield, Martinez will have more time to sit back and go through his reads on play action and straight passing plays. As he does this, he will make more throws on target and will complete 65% of his passes in 2012.

Rex Burkhead Will Win the Heisman Trophy

Rex Burkhead will run all the way to New York in 2012.
Eric Francis/Getty Images

Sexy Rexy.

He's Rexy and He Knows It. Heard the songs? If not, look them up on YouTube.

They are about Nebraska running back Rex Burkhead. My favorite line comes from "Sexy Rexy": "Calves defined like dictionaries, breaks through tackles on his carries."

In early odds, Burkhead is at 20-1 to win the Heisman Trophy. If you ask Nebraska fans, or anybody in the Big Ten footprint, that is far too low. Burkhead is the unquestioned leader of the team. He is the most popular player in Nebraska football since Brook Berringer. He is as much of an unstoppable machine on the field as he is a charismatic, humble man off it. Burkhead is what legends are made of at Nebraska, and the Heisman Trophy will be his crowning achievement.

What can Burkhead do on the field? Well he averaged 4.8 yards per carry and just over 104 yards per game in 2011. That's not bad. He will have to do better than that to have national recognition, though. His 21 catches for 177 yards and two touchdowns are nice. However, more than anything, he will need sophomores Ameer Abdullah and Aaron Green to step up and spell him when the time arises.

He will need big, and I mean BIG, performances in national games. He will need to run roughshod over Wisconsin and Michigan. He will need to will the team to victory.

More than anything, though, he needs the team to win. Nebraska needs to win the Big Ten Legends Division. He then needs to pull an Ndamukong Suh from the 2009 Big 12 Championship Game and just tear apart whoever Nebraska plays in the 2012 Big Ten Championship Game.

Nebraska can do that. They have the talent. Rex can as well.

Nebraska Will Win the Big Ten

This Trophy Will be in Lincoln in December.

Nebraska sort of stumbled their way through the 2011 football season. They were beaten badly by Wisconsin and Michigan and upset at home by Northwestern. They managed to overwhelm Michigan State and Iowa and also hung on at Penn State. Throughout the season, though, it felt as though they couldn't get their feet under them. In 2012, that won't be the case.

Nebraska's offense won't be forced in so many down-and-distance situations as they were in 2011 as a deep, talented offensive line will keep a Taylor Martinez and Rex Burkhead-led attack moving. Martinez has a new throwing motion that will help him improve on his 57% accuracy, a bevy of speedy, talented receivers to throw to, and the always steady Burkhead behind him. In short, this will be the best and most balanced offense Nebraska has seen since 1999.

The defense is going to come together and obliterate opposing offenses. Blitzes will come from every angle, the defensive line will push offensive lines back into their quarterbacks, and running backs will find no lanes to run. In short, this will be a defense to be feared.

The schedule doesn't do them any favors, but there is no team outside of Michigan as talented as they were in 2011. The Huskers get the Wolverines at home the last weekend in October. They welcome Wisconsin, Penn State, and Minnesota to Lincoln as well. They will have to battle past Ohio State and Northwestern on the road in consecutive games.

The Huskers won't have to win every game on their schedule to win the Legends Division, but they must avoid trip-ups in Evanston, East Lansing, and Iowa City to advance to the Championship Game. The good news is Nebraska will win the games they need to and will not lose to anybody they shouldn't. On December 1, the Nebraska Cornhuskers will beat the winner of the Leaders Division and will claim their first Conference Championship since 1999.

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Keep ReadingNebraska returns a majority of their starters on defense, but they will have a new defensive coordinator in John Papuchis who replaced Carl Pelini after he departed for FAU. Papuchis has instantly become the youngest defensive coordinator in the Big Ten and it'll be interesting to see how the players respond to the energetic coach.

He’s been on the Nebraska staff since 2008 and worked with the defensive ends and special teams before replacing Pelini. The defensive schemes should remain the same for the most part, but with a new guy calling the shots, it will be something that bears watching.

Linebacker and fullback are two intriguing position battles

Anytime a team goes into spring practice or fall camp, you can expect to hear a lot of talk about “position battles.”

As Nebraska continues with its spring football practice sessions, linebacker and fullback are two of the more intriguing position battles for the 2012.

Any discussion regarding Nebraska linebackers in 2012 begins and ends with the loss of LaVonte David to graduation. David is projected by most NFL draft boards to be a second round pick, possibly even first if you listen to Mel “I Have Plenty of Hair” Kiper. Without David, Nebraska very well could have finished 7-6 instead of 9-4. David’s numbers speak for themselves as he recorded team highs in total tackles (133), tackles for loss (13) and quarterback sacks (5.5).

However, things are not all doom and gloom with the loss of David because Will Compton came alive in the second half of the season and recorded 82 total tackles, seven for lost yardage. Sean Fisher came back after having missed the 2010 season with a leg injury to start four games and record 24 total tackles. However, Alonzo Whaley saw his most significant playing time the last two games of the season and actually moved ahead of Fisher on the depth chart.

David’s incredible skills will be hard to replace. Nebraska has had its share of legendary linebackers such as Tom Novak, Broderick Thomas, Barrett Ruud, Jerry Murtugh, Ed Stewart and Marc Munford. Where David fits in the annals of Husker lore is open for discussion but he certainly belongs in that conversation.

The fact that Compton made it through an entire season mostly injury free, which hadn’t been the case throughout his career before the season, is a good sign. The Huskers will need Compton to take on an even bigger role in 2012. Sophomore Trevor Roach saw action early in the season and can be a capable backup at MIKE linebacker to Compton.

It also bears watching if Whaley stays ahead of Fisher on the depth chart at the BUCK position. Either way, both will be needed when the Huskers go to their goal-line defense.

The player from the 2012 class that will need to contribute immediate is junior college transfer Zaire Anderson. . The Huskers have a strong group of recruits but will they be ready to contribute right away?

Though the fullback position in today’s game of college football has taken on a lesser role with such a big emphasis on spread-oriented offenses, the Huskers still must find a way to replace Tyler Legate. Losing Legate might not be high on many people’s list but since Nebraska incorporated some of the traditional I-formation option, replacing Legate is not so insignificant. Plus, even though shotgun formations and spread offenses are all the rage, at some point teams will face short yardage situations where it behooves them to have a fullback as a lead blocker.

Legate had eight carries and four catches (two for touchdowns). The fullback carrying the ball, however, seemed to be more of an attempt to pander to the fans that long for the retro Tom Osborne playbook.

Given that the option has returned as part of the Husker offense, losing Legate might be more of a concern that at first glance. For openers, there’s the role of lead blocking for the running back but also quarterback Taylor Martinez seems better suited on “load option” running plays that involve either a fullback or pulling guard.

The likely candidate for this position is Mike Marrow, who transferred from Alabama and Eastern Michigan. Marrow brings a menacing presence at 6-foot-2, 250-pounds. He has the body to become a dominant lead blocker for Rex Burkhead but he could emerge as a counter-puncher to Burkhead by carrying the ball himself and abusing defenses.

Other players who will compete for the position are freshmen Carson Collins and Andy Janovich along with junior CJ Zimmerer.

2012 Position Outlook: Linebacker

One story in a Wine Country Husker series, looking at position breakdowns for the Nebraska Cornhuskers for the 2012 season. Today, we look at linebacker:





Looking back: Any discussion regarding Nebraska linebackers in 2011, and for that matter the past two seasons, begins and ends with LaVonte David. While Husker fans (well, a significant portion anyhow) have always had aversions to junior college transfers, one cannot deny that without David (a former JUCO transfer) Nebraska very well could have finished 7-6 instead of 9-4.

His forced fumble and subsequent recovery of Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller sparked a 34-27 come-from-behind win over the Buckeyes when the Huskers appeared headed for their second embarrassing loss in as many weeks. David’s numbers speak for themselves as he recorded team highs in total tackles (133), tackles for loss (13) and quarterback sacks (5.5).

Will Compton came alive in the second half of the season and recorded 82 total tackles, seven for lost yardage. Sean Fisher came back after having missed the 2010 season with a leg injury to start four games and record 24 total tackles. However, Alonzo Whaley saw his most significant playing time the last two games of the season and actually moved ahead of Fisher on the depth chart.

Looking ahead: No point sugarcoating matters, David’s incredible skills will be hard to replace. Nebraska has had its share of legendary linebackers such as Tom Novak, Broderick Thomas, Barrett Ruud, Jerry Murtugh, Ed Stewart and Marc Munford. Where David fits in the anals of Husker lore is open for discussion but he certainly belongs in that conversation.

David Santos, who will be a redshirt freshman, might get the first shot at replacing David. While Santos is talented he also young. Plus, going from scout team player to replacing David would be a tall order.

The fact that Compton made it through an entire season mostly injury free, which hadn’t been the case throughout his career before the season, is a good sign. The Huskers will need Compton to take on an even bigger role in 2012. Sophomore Trevor Roach saw action early in the season and can be a capable backup at MIKE linebacker to Compton.

It also bears watching if Whaley stays ahead of Fisher on the depth chart at the BUCK position. Either way, both will be needed when the Huskers go to their goal-line defense.

The player from the 2012 class that will need to contribute immediate is junior college transfer Zaire Anderson. The Huskers have a strong group of recruits but will they be ready to contribute right away?

So much for Huskers having motivation issues

This was more like it. Just a few days ago, yours truly stated that while even if, in a best case scenario, Nebraska goes 10-3, the season would not be considered an overwhelming success because of the preseason goal of winning Big Ten championship.


However, I felt it was important to finish strong because how a team concludes its season is how the campaign is often remembered most. The Huskers took care of Step One on Friday with a 20-7 win over the Iowa Hawkeyes. Nebraska dominated play even more than the final score suggested because much of Iowa’s 270 yards of total offense and all seven points came in the fourth quarter after the Huskers built a 20-0 lead.

Speaking of how the offense built that lead, what more can you say about running back Rex Burkhead? The junior had 159 yards and a touchdown on a school record 38 carries. The team slogan should be “Go Big Rex” instead of “Go Big Red!” Burkhead’s running allowed for effective play-action passes but in terms of throwing the ball, it was a mixed bag for quarterback Taylor Martinez (12 of 22, 163 yards, one TD, no INTs). He made some terrible throws early in the game but got better as the game progressed. Redshirt freshman wide receiver Kenny Bell (five catches, 93 yards) had a huge day and while the running game is the offense’s identity, Bell gives the Husker passing game an added dimension. However, with the way the offensive line opened up holes for Burkhead, there was little need to pass.

On the defensive side, the fact that Iowa quarterback James Vandenberg is a pocket passer played into Nebraska’s hands but this was one of the Huskers better tackling efforts of the season. Keep in mind, mobile quarterbacks have tied the Husker defense in knots this season.

Though Iowa running back Marcus Coker (18 carries, 87 yards, one TD) put up decent numbers, you did not see Husker defenders rely on arm tackles. As amazing as linebacker LaVonte David is, the continued improved play of Will Compton is also refreshing as well as Jay Guy and Justin Jackson giving serviceable saps on a banged up defensive line.

Cornerback Alfonso Dennard also deserves a game ball for limiting Iowa wide receiver Marvin McNutt to four catches for 29 yards.

The telling numbers for this game was time of possession as Nebraska held the ball for 37:47 and dominated third down on both offense (10 of 21) and defense (2 of 12).

Nebraska has had a stock market season much more than its 9-3 record suggests. One week after being outplayed by Michigan, the Huskers thoroughly outplayed the Hawkeyes. The question now becomes can the Huskers parlay their Black Friday performance into a bowl game win?

The importance of the Huskers win over Iowa cannot be overstated. I’m not going to lie, thoughts of last year’s Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and Washington trifecta of awful was weighing on my mind after the 45-17 loss to Michigan last Saturday.

The loss was not only bad on the field but prompted many of the shrill voices to suggest that head coach Bo Pelini “has lost this team.” What the hell does that mean, anyway? Yes, the Huskers maddening inconsistency is puzzling but how does that translate into “losing the team.” Gee, there’s a blanket statement if I ever heard one but I digress.

Overall, I am pleased with the way the team responded today. The crowd was into the game, it was Senior Day and the guys responded.

Containing Robinson at the forefront of Husker challenge

Much of Saturday’s matchup between No. 16 Nebraska and No. 20 Michigan is centered quarterbacks Taylor Martinez (Nebraska) and Denard Robinson (Michigan). Rightfully so because you have two dynamic runners who are also flawed passers.


Robinson, who is a junior, has rushed for 864 yards on 151 carries and 12 touchdowns. As a passer, he has completed 99 of 189 passes (52.4%) for 1,611 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Robinson, however, has been slowed by a wrist injury ad has not had a 100 yard rushing game since Oct. 8, a game in which he rushed for 117 yards. He has thrown at least one interception in all but one game this season.

Martinez has rushed for 768 yards on 153 carries and nine scores. As a passer, Martinez has completed 121 of 227 (57.7%) for 1,688 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven picks. His completion percentage would be much high but has been victimized by dropped passes. Both are also complimented by outstanding running backs: Fitzgerald Toussaint for Michigan and Rex Burkhead for Nebraska.

The Nebraska offense has been a little Jekyl & Hyde but the defense has been very Jekyl & Hyde. The Blackshirt defense has also had its problems with mobile quarterbacks in the Bo Pelini era. Robinson would certainly qualify as not only mobile but lightning fast.

The key for Nebraska’s defense in this game is that, yes, Robinson will get his yards but the Huskers can ill-afford to give big plays and tackling in space becomes paramount. However, as good as Robinson is as a runner, his passing is suspect. Even more suspect than a segment of Husker fans think Martinez’s passing is. Mobile quarterbacks like Derek Carr (Fresno State), Keith Price (Washington), Russell Wilson (Wisconsin), Braxton Miller (Ohio State) and Kain Colter (Northwestern) gave the Huskers fits. However, Robinson is not near as skilled as a passer as that group.

The Pelini Brothers, however, will need to come with a plan of some kind to at least contain Robinson. Perhaps have safeties Austin Cassidy and Daimion Stafford closer to the line of scrimmage to help on zone reads? Perhaps have linebacker LaVonte David play the spy role? I must say I’ve never been a fan of that role because it takes that player away from defending other plays.

Defensive line play will be very crucial. That means have a gap sound mentality to take away cutback lanes. If you overpursue, Robinson will make you pay dearly. Of course, it is just as important to wrap up when tackling.
However, since the Husker defense has been so inconsistent, the offense can also play the role of defense by keeping Robinson on the sideline. I liked what Nebraska offensive coordinator Tim Beck did in the Huskers 17-14 win over Penn State. For three quarters, Beck mixed up personnel and formations to not allow Penn State to get into their base defense. Nebraska will need that again Saturday.

Though Martinez has thrown the ball better lately, I guarantee you that Michigan’s defense will sell out to stop the run. To that, use some play action and misdirection to slow them down. Perhaps try some bubble screens.

The game comes down to limiting Robinson’s big plays and Beck calling a complete, four quarter game.
The fact that this game is on the road doesn’t bother me. Pelini teams seem to prefer the animosity of a rival stadium over the expectations of a home game.

Husker defense needs to stick to its roots

The Blackshirts have entered the building. Well, re-entered s more like it. Nebraska defensive coordinator Carl Pelini held up a black practice jersey in the locker room after the Huskers 24-3 win over Michigan, and according to a few players, told them they'd be receiving them this week.


The story of the 2011 season has been, where has the Nebraska Blackshirts defense gone?

Through the first seven games of the season, Nebraska’s defense had been a liability. The Blackshirts had allowed teams with mediocre offenses to move the ball down the field on them. Fans had to know that this type of play defensively would not last the entire season as long as Bo Pelini is the head coach.

Omaha World Herald columnist Sam McKewon perhaps made the most astute observation of why the Husker defense finally performed the way fans had grown accustomed to since the Pelini Bros. came aboard in 2008.

In his column, McKewon stated they stuck to a scheme Nebraska knows inside and out, even if it's not a perfect match for the league's personnel.

They kept their safeties — Austin Cassidy and Daimion Stafford — protective of the deep middle. They trusted Lance Thorell and Ciante Evans to play in the box even when the Spartans rolled out power sets. They allowed linebackers Lavonte David and Will Compton to flow confidently and aggressively to the ball. The Huskers gave up a little in the run defense, but they guessed right that the Spartans wouldn't stick with it. They haven't stuck with it all year.

Basically, the Huskers decided to stop worrying about adjusting from the Big 12 to the Big 10. Instead of you adjusting to the opponent, make the opponent adjust to you.
On Saturday against Michigan State, Nebraska put together a perfect defensive scheme to stop the Spartans' offense. Nebraska held Michigan State’s all-time leading receiver, B.J. Cunningham to no catches and sacked senior quarterback Kirk Cousins four times.

Nebraska’s defense has moved up to No. 29 nationally in total defense.
Instead of lining up in their defensive stance, the defensive lineman moved around the line of scrimmage so that the offense did not know where they were coming from. This defense allowed the Blackshirts to put pressure on Cousins all day long.
The second part of the defense that stood out was the play of the Nebraska linebackers.

Throughout the season, Nebraska had lined up with three linebackers and David was the only linebacker who consistently made plays. On Saturday, Nebraska used two linebackers and five defensive backs. Was it a return to the “Peso” defense Nebraska used last season? Not exactly, but it was effective. As a result, linebacker Will Compton had his best game of his career at Nebraska. Compton continuously made calls for the defense pointing out what play Michigan State was running. He ended the game with seven tackles, one tackle for a loss and two quarterback hurries. If Compton continues to play at this level, Nebraska will have two of the best linebackers in the Big Ten Conference in David and Compton.
With Nebraska’s power running game taking time off the clock and wearing down opposing defenses, the Blackshirts will need to uphold their part of the game plan in order for the Cornhuskers to continue to win games. If the Blackshirts play as they did against Michigan State in their remaining games, Nebraska will be a tough team to beat in the Big Ten Conference.
Next week, Nebraska plays Northwestern in Lincoln. If the Blackshirts are able to shut down Northwestern’s star quarterback, Dan Persa, it will tell a lot about this team and their defense.
All year we've mostly seen the secondary and linebackers running poorly executed man coverage, with the corners and safeties routinely a step behind receivers. It was all the same crap that was killing us back in the Kevin Cosgrove days. The perks of zone coverage, the ballhawking and picks, not to mention gang tackling, was gone. Now suddenly the matchup zone comes back against MSU and works to perfection. Instead of having guys in single coverage a step back, we had several guys in on every pass play. Of course it helped that Cousins never tested the seams much and MSU didn't try to run it up the gut, but where has the matchup zone been all year? And can it work against mobile quarterbacks?

Sure it can. It all depends how the front seven tackles.
Can it work against Michigan? Depends on how the front seven tackle. If anything, zone defenses should work better against a running quarterback because you've got most of your back seven watching the QB. In man, most of the back seven has their back to the QB as they're chasing around their designated offensive player all over the field. If he starts to take off, then you'll get multiple defenders coming up to stop him, in man coverage you may just have one guy who sees the QB coming upfield since everyone else is following their man around.
As for Cousins there were coverage sacks but the line and linebackers got more pressure than any time this season. Especially Eric Martin and to a lesser extent Baker Steinkuhler. I think Cousins looked rushed at times, but a lot of the time he had time but the secondary and linebackers locked down well and forced him to try to scramble, which didn't end up well for him since he's not the fastest guy. Going forward I think the matchup zone is the way to go against Dennard Robinson.

Huskers must execute a well-conceived plan to beat MSU

The terms “key game,” “big game” and “must win game” are often thrown around too freely. However, let’s not kid ourselves, Saturday’s football game between No. 9 Michigan State and No. 13 Nebraska in Lincoln, NE, is very vital.


Both clubs are 6-1 but the difference is that MSU is 3-0 in Big Ten play and in sole possession of first place in the Legends Division. Nebraska, however, is 2-1 and currently in a three-way tie for second in the Legends Division with Michigan and Iowa. If Michigan State wins, it will strengthen its hold on the Legends Division race but if Nebraska wins, the race becomes very compelling. Potentially until Black Friday.

Many prognosticators tabbed the Huskers as the favorite to win the Legends Division. I didn’t think that was a crazy prediction but given the collective youth on offense and the fact that they were breaking in a new coordinator (Tim Beck), I felt it was premature to book reservations to a BCS Bowl game let along Indianapolis for the Big Ten title game.

Nebraska comes into the game more rested having had a bye week on Oct. 15 and a de facto bye week on Oct. 22 with a 41-14 win over lowly Minnesota. Michigan State has beaten Michigan (28-14) and Wisconsin (37-31). The latter came with a game-ending Hail Mary that was shades of Doug Flutie. Is MSU ripe for a letdown after two emotional wins? Perhaps so but that argument is a slippery slope. The storylines are already written. If Nebraska wins, the angle becomes, “the Huskers won because they were rested and the Spartans were worn down.” If Michigan State wins, the story becomes, “Nebraska had it too easy and Michigan State was more battle-tested.”

The matchups on both sides of the ball are intriguing. The Nebraska defense has been a disappointment throughout the season and that was even before losing defensive tackle Jared Crick (torn pectoral) for the season. The Spartans offense, however, will not be mistaken for the Nebraska “Scoring Explosion” of 1983 as they rank No. 57 in points scored.

Michigan State’s offensive MO is similar to say Bill Parcells’ New Yorks Giants: Move the chains and don’t beat yourself. Senior quarterback Kirk Cousins epitomizes that mindset as he has thrown just four interceptions. While Cousins’ feet are not nailed to the ground, he is more of a classic dropback passer, which is a plus for a Husker defense that has had its troubles with speedy quarterbacks.

If Nebraska’s defense is to have success, it does not necessarily have to sack Cousins but make him throw the ball a fraction of a second too soon. That means get creative with blitz packages but do not show them too early and the cornerbacks must take away Cousins’ first read. The more uncomfortable the Huskers make Cousins, the better off they will be.

The Husker defense, however, also must display a fire – but controlled aggression -- it has not shown all season. Nebraska enters this game ranked No. 70 against the run, No. 27 against the pass and No. 42 overall. Those are numbers that are not normally associated with a Bo and Carl Pelini led defense.

So far, the only Nebraska defenders that have lived up to their preseason expectations are linebacker LaVonte David and cornerback Alfonzo Dennard. For the rest of them, time to earn your scholarships. Now. No, make that yesterday.

On the offensive side, if I’ve said it once I’ve said it a zillion times. Quarterback Taylor Martinez brings the pizzazz but running back Rex Burkhead is the foundation of the offense. The numbers bear that idea out. Burkhead is second in the Big Ten with 10 touchdowns. He is also third in the conference with 752 yards rushing.

Though this week, there will be a fine line between getting Burkhead the ball and keeping a rugged Spartan defense that ranks eighth against the run honest. I’m not suggesting that the Huskers should change what they do but if you try to make a living by ONLY running right at the Spartans defense, you’ll starve.

Do things like run a reverse to Kenny Bell. Set up a bubble screen to Jamal Turner. Use Martinez on some misdirections where he has a run-pass option.

What can’t happen is, run Burkhead into a brick wall on first down. Option Burkhead into a brick wall on second down. Oh, it’s third and eight, Martinez throws an incomplete pass. Punt time, here comes Brett Maher. The Huskers must get creative and have to keep this Spartan defense on their toes.

Most of all, allow Martinez to do what he does best. I don’t give a damn what the anti-Martinez crowd says, he is improving. So what if he’s not Andrew Luck. So what if his mechanics are not pretty. Tommie Frazier, Scott Frost and Eric Crouch won’t make anyone forget Drew Brees and the Huskers did just fine.

The biggest thing Martinez has to do is, make sound decisions, don’t predetermine where he throws and if the checkdown receiver is there, take it all day. And while you’re at it, use your feet and run like people are chasing you.

David, Burkhead are the confluence of extremes

Between Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini referring to running back Rex Burkhead being "overlooked nationally" and linebacker LaVonte David being named one of 12 players named as a Butkus Award semifinalist, Monday was a confluence of extremes.


David leads the Huskers with 64 tackles (seven for lost yardage). He also has two sacks and a fumble recovery that perhaps saved Nebraska from going 7-5 to poentially no worse than 9-3. The No. 13 ranked Huskers host No. 9 Michigan State in a pivotal Big Ten matchup in Lincoln on Saturday. To refersh your memory, David's fumble recovery of Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller kickstarted a 34-27 come-from-behind win for Nebraska. David forced that fumble as well.

David leads the team in tackles with 64. He also has seven tackles for loss, two sacks, an interception, and a rather significant forced fumble and recovery that you may remember.

Zach Brown (North Carolina), Vontaze Burfict (Arizona State), Audie Cole (North Carolina State), Dont’a Hightower (Alabama), Luke Kuechly (Boston College), Travis Lewis (Oklahoma), Keenan Robinson (Texas), Sean Spence (Miami), Manti Te’o (Notre Dame), Courtney Upshaw (Alabama) and Jarvis Jones (Georgia) are also semifinalists.

The Husker defense entered the season with high expectations but so far David is one of the few Blackshirts (if you want to call them such). The defense, however, has been a disappointment as the Huskers entered Saturday's 41-14 win over Minnesota ranked 58th nationally in total defense and 75th against the run. The pressure on quarterbacks has been minimal and it doesn't take Monte Kiffin to notice their sloppy tackling.

Granted, Nebraska's defense enjoyed a bounceback effort of sorts in a 41-14 win over Minnesota but the Gophers offense is among the worst in the nation and scored both touchdowns after the Huskers built a 34-0 halftime lead.

In a way, the fact that the unit has been a collective disappointment makes it that much more impressive that David is enjoying the season he is currently having. Keep in mind, Nebraska defense tackle Jared Crick (torn pectoral muscle) is out for the season.

Butkus Award winner or not, David has established his place as being among the best linebackers in Nebraska history. Personally, I'm not into ranking players because such a hierarchy involves a lot of conjecture. Trev Alberts, who was a Butkus Award winner in 1993, is definitely the best linebacker in school history and one of the best regardless of position. Other great Nebraska linebackers include Tom Novak, Broderick Thomas, Barrett Ruud, Jerry Murtugh, Ed Stewart and Marc Munford. David definitely belongs in that conversation.



As for Burkhead, Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini said Monday during his weekly press conference that he thinks Burkhead sometimes gets overlooked nationally despite the fact he has already rushed for 752 yards this season and has more than 2,000 yards rushing in his career.

"I think the coaches that play against him and watch him on film have a real appreciation for him," Pelini said. "Nationally, I don't know. Maybe he isn't flashy enough or doesn't talk enough. I think it's pretty obvious how good of a football player he is. He has a long career ahead of him."

Pelini sees the NFL in Burkhead's future, but feels pretty certain the running back won't leave early after his junior season.

"Rex? Nah. That would be a personal decision by Rex, but knowing him and his family, I think he is here to play four years of football. That is something will talk about down the road but not right now."

Burkhead is pretty similar to former Stanford running back Toby Gerhart, who was a Heisman Trophy candidate in 2009, and that's not just because Gerhart (now a Minnesota Viking) and Burkhead share the same skin color. Burkhead is not likely to get invited to New York City in December for the Heisman Trophy ceremony this year or net but he is the foundation of the Husker offense.

Remember coming into the season, many people were wondering if Burkhead could handle the load of being the featured running back considerig that Roy Helu (now a Washington Redskin) had graduated.

One of the reasons Burkhead gets overlooked nationally is because he is a white player at a predominantly African American position. Let's fact it, white running backs in college or the NFL that are featured backs are a novelty. There, I said it and don't care who reacts. That idea is no different than how black quarterbacks were considered a novelty when Warren Moon entered the NFL.

The truth of the matter is, a good player is a good player whether he's white black, pink or orange. Burkhead also gets overlooked because he is not the kind of running back that will break, say, a 75 yard touchdown run. He consistently gets first downs and touchdowns, that's not a bad thing.

Without David and Burkhead, the Huskers are probably 3-4 instead of 6-1.

Tackling and third down conversions key to defensive rebound

Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini talked a big game at his first press conference after the Huskers 34-27 come-from-behind win over Ohio State on Oct. 8.


The Huskers, who are ranked No. 13 in the AP poll, had a bye and will resume action on Saturday at Minnesota.

"We're 5-1, we'd like to be 6-0," Pelini said. "But I think that with continuity we're starting to settle in, and that lends itself to us being a better football team in the second half of the year.

"I feel good about where we're at, where we're going and where our potential is. I think we're very close in making a big jump as a football team. It's about the daily grind and about trying to get better."

If the Huskers are to make a run at a Big Ten title, the side of the ball that absoutely must get better is the defense. On that front, Nebraska was supposed to be strong but has been a big disappointment. Pelini's reputation as a defensive guru has taken a hit this season as the Huskers Currently, the Huskers are 80th in the country in rushing defense, giving up 167.8 yards a game and 94th in opponents' third down conversion percentage.

However, I refuse to believe that Pelini suddenly forgotten how to coach defense. This is the same guy that replaced Craig Bohl as defensive coordinator in 2003. The Huskers ranked 56th ranked in total defense during a 7-7 season in 2002 but shot up to Top Ten during a 10-3 campaign in 2003. Pelini led a 17-3 win over Michigan State in the Alamo Bowl as interim head coach after Frank Solich was fired. Well, you know the rest of the story, Bill Callahan was hired as head coach and was fired after a 27-22 stint that culminated with a 5-7 campaign in 2007. The Husker defense ranked 114th under defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove. Under Pelini's guidance they shot up to 55th in 2008 and No. 3 in 2009.

So what's the problem now? In terms of the secondary, part of the problem was the loss of cornerback Prince Amukamara to graduation coupled with Alonozo Dennard missing the first three games with a quad injury. Even with Dennard's return, attacking the Huskers via the air is simple. Don't throw the ball anywhere near Deannard. Sure, he takes away half the field but when you can abuse Ciante Evans and Andrew Green there's no rhyme or reason to throw within 15 yards of Dennard. There might be hope, however, in the form of converted receiver Stanley Jean-Baptiste, who intercepted a pass that led to the game-winnin score against Ohio State. However relying on a guy that is making a position change has its risks.

However, part of the reason the secondary has had its issues is because the Husker front four has not gotten the pass rush -- and that was even before defensive tackle Jared Crick was ruled out for the rest of the season with a torn pectoral muscle. It also has not helped that tackle Baker Steinkuhler and end Cameron Meredith have underachieved. Thus, front four problems lead to secondary problems.

OK, so Crick is out for the season. Amukamara is not getting a year of eligibilty. Hopefully, the likes of Meredith and Steinkuhler can start to live up to their advanced billing. On defense, the only player that has lived up to the preseason hype is linebacker LaVonte David.

The Huskers are 5-1 right now but if they don;t shore up what has been terrible tackling and third down defense, this team will be in for more than a few disappointing outcomes. Poor tackling leads to oppnents getting good yardage on first down, which in turn leads to advantageous third downs they can convert.

The Huskers allowed offenses to convert third downs 30 percent of the time last year, and 32 percent in 2009. Even in 2008, when the Huskers were figuring things out under the new Pelini system, teams converted 34 percent.

Nebraska's tackling problems have nothing to do with the scheme. Players have been in position to make plays but time after time there are missed tackles that allow plays to be extended. In fact, I'm surprised legendary Green Bay Packers head coach Vince Lombardi hasn't popped out of his grave and yelled, "What the hell's goin' on out here!" or "Grab, grab, grab! Nobody's tacklin'!"

To compare it to other sports, a football team missing tackles is a lot like a baseball team making errors or a basketball team missing free throws. When the habit forms, the problem snowballs.

If that is the case, then the bye week couldn’t have come at a better time. Hopefully, the team can reset itself defensively and a defensive rebound is in order. But that turnaround must start Saturday.

Martinez the least of Nebraska's problems

Welcome to another Monday of addressing knee jerk reactions. If you listen to some Nebraska football fans, message board posters and in some cases mainstream media members, you would think quarterback Taylor Martinez was the primary (and only) reason for the Nebraska football team's problems.


The term problem, of course, should be taken with a grain of salt since many college football teams would gladly take the Huskers problems of being 5-1 and ranked No. 13 in the latest Associated Press poll after Saturday's stunning 34-27 come-from-behind win over Ohio State. Nebraska being 5-1 is not necessarily a problem, only the process most people figured is not what most (including myself) anticipated. In head coach Bo Pelini's four seasons, the Huskers made a transformation from being the worst defense known to man under former defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove in 2007 when they were 114th in the nation in total defense to No. 4 in 2009. The defense was not as strong last season but definitely strong enough in 2009 and 2010 to where if Nebraska had an even mediocre offense, it would have bee good enough to win a Big 12 title.

Fast forward to 2011, offensive coordinator Shawn Watson leaves and Husker fans celebrated pretty much en masse as running backs coach Tim Beck was promoted to offensive coordinator. Watson's departure alone made Nebraska fans dance in the streets. Most people figured the offense would take time to find its way in 2011 while the defense did a lot of heavy lifting. Sure, losses like cornerback Prince Amukamara, safeties Eric Hagg and Dejon Gomes would be felt. However, the Huskers boasted a high end returning player at every level of the defense -- tackle Jared Crick, linebacker LaVonte David and cornerback Alfonso Dennard.

So far, only David has lived up to his preseason hype. To be fair, Dennard is still working his way back into form after missing the first four games to a quad injury. Crick and defensve end Cameron Meredith, however, have been big disappointments. If not for David's mid third quarter forced and recovered fumble of Buckeye quarterback Braxton Miller, the Huskers don't even begin to make their second half charge.

So how does all of this pertain to Martinez? Let's talk about that for just a minute. Does Martinez have his issues? Yes. Is Martinez free of fault? No. However, when you look at the Huskers entire body of work over the course of six games, the team's problems are less about him and much more about the defense. In fact, it's not even close.
Forget the Ohio State game for just a nano-second. Let's just assume Nebraska has a defense that most of us come to expect under Pelini. Keep in mind, Nebraska entered Saturday's game ranked No. 73 in total defense. For the sake of discussiom, let's say they are ranked in the top 40 in a worst case scenario. None of the games are even close except for Wisconsin, which was a 48-17 loss.

Even in that game, Nebraska trailed 20-14 late in the first half. The offense actually looked OK at that point before. The offensive line was blocking, running back Rex Burkhead was running well and Martinez was throwing at least decent. If the defense had been playing well, perhaps Beck and Martinez (who let's face it is an average at best passer) wouldn't have been in a position where they felt they constantly needed to score. Though it's easy to hammer Martinez for forcing passes into double coverage, perhaps he would not have been compelled to do so if it did not appear that Wisconsin was going to score on every damn possession.
On Saturday, Nebraska's Blackshirts (if you want to call them that) gave up 246 yards of offense in the first half. If the defense came to play, Nebraska wins this game going away. Keep in mind, Ohio State had a 12-3 minute top of possession edge in he first quarter. So Martinez is not Joe Montana. This may shock the "Bench Martinez's ass" camp but he came up big in the second half along with running back Rex Burkhead.

Martinez completed 16 of 22 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns and one interception. He also added a rushing touchdown, 95 yards on 16 carries. All of that while guiding Nebraska to its biggest come-from-behind win in school history. OK, Martinez, I know it kills you but give the kid some credit.

The bottom line is quarterbacks will have games where they throw interceptions. In case you have never watched a game in your life, great ones throw the. Average ones throw them. Bad ones throw them. The point is Nebraska's defense is supposed to be good enough to where the offense can make a couple mistakes a game so that they can overome them. At this point, that is not close to being the case.

Speaking of the defense, we'll examine that more during the bye week as the Huskers next play at Minnesota on Oct. 22. However, to take a preliminary look, I ask, at what point does Nebraska play the Peso (4-2-5)? It worked like a charm the last few years. I realize conventional widom says you need a three linebacker defense against the Big 10, but right now conventional wisdom sucks. Are the Huskers served better by putting more speed on the field. Does it pay off to have the linebackers in the game when they are non-productive anyway?
Back to Martinez, here's a late breaking story for football fans. Quarterbacks are going to have incompletions, bad reads, and intereptions at every level. It's part of the game. Has Martinez played as well as he can? No. He definitely needs to improve but it stans to reason that the difference between a top ten Nebraska team and the team we see today is not and has not been Martinez. It has been the defense.
Though I have been a Husker fan for 24 years and a graduate for 14, I simply do not get a certain segment of our fans. I get it that Martinez's throwing motion and decision making can be frustrating but we all need to realize that if we want to put in a quarterback that doesn't throw interceptions, you'll never find one. Gee whizz. Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Aaron Rodgers must al really suck.

So while you are busy being convinced that Martinez is the problem, I say this: Keep a healthy Martinez and fix the damn defense and everything else will fall into place.

Stunning second half a season saver -- for the time being

My goodness! What more can be said about No. 14 Nebraska's 34-27 come-from-behind win over the Ohio State Buckeyes.


Never mind that Ohio State (now 3-3) is just a shell of its former self. After last Saturday's debacle of a 48-17 loss at Wisconsin, this win was a psychological hurdle for the Huskers. No matter how much Ohio State has become just another program, you don't rally from a 27-6 deficit to win without having some testicular fortitude.

If you thought negativity among the Nebraska fan base and media was bad entering this game, one could only fathom how things would have been with consecutive losses going into a bye week. Head coach Bo Pelini and quarterback Taylor Martinez were the main targets after the Huskers loss in Madison, Wisc.

Not that either one is out of the woods but they bought themselves breathing space for a week. Despite the win, all is not well in Huskerland by a longshot. The Buckeyes ran through Nebraska like Roseanne Barr at an all-you-can-eat buffet to the tune of 246 yards of offense in the first half. OSU freshman quarterback Braxton Miller rushed for 79 and passed for 68. For the second time in as many weeks, the Huskers looked like stumblebumbs on defense. The offense certainly wasn't pulling its weight either.

Sometimes, however, one play can change a game if not the course of a season. Nebraska linebacker LaVonte David's play in the third quarter might be the difference between having a 10-2 season versus a 7-5 season. the Huskers looked more the latter than the former in the first half. The Huskers, as they had the previous week, looked lost on defense, perhaps still reeling from the Wisconsin loss. OSU led 20-6 at halftime. Pelini, who is known as a defensve guru, seemed at a loss for solutions.

David has been a bright spot in a disappointing season for the Blackshirts. Miller made his way through traffic for a 7-yard gain but like a thief in the night, David ripped the ball from the hands of the 6-3, 210-pound quarterback. From there, it was all Huskers. Yes, Nebraska caught a break when the mobile Miller had to leave the game with an ankle injury. His replacement (Joe Bauserman) went 1 for 7 for 13 yards.

However, it should also be pointed out that David made the play with Miller in the game. Also, Miller does not play defense.

With Martinez, you have to look beyond his numbers. Yes, he completed 16 of 22 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns and one interception. He also added a rushing touchdown, 95 yards on 16 carries. However, besides his end-of-the-first-half interception, Martinez bounced back well from last week's performance. He did a better job of checking down to receivers this week, and overall he showed more poise and confidence. Questions can subside about whether he should be Nebraska's starting quarterback. Well, for a week anyhow. ABC color commenator Matt Millen kept harping on how Martinez lacks the ability to stretch the field. It's funny. Last week, Martinez was being criticized for forcing the ball downfield into coverage and not checking down to underneath receivers. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

What more can you say about running back Rex Burkhead? 119 yards on 26 carries and a touchdown. Nebraska rushed for 144 yards in the fourth quarter, against the 13th ranked defense in the country.

What does Saturday's win mean in the grand spectrum of things? Well, mathematically it means the Huskers are 5-1 overall and 1-1 in the Big Ten and they saved the program for another two weeks.

The Blackshirts — if you want to call them that — have inexplicably become fundamentally flawed. They suddenly can't make a tackle and look slow. Is this the kind of win that can awaken a sleeping giant? Sometimes personnel deficiencies can't be overcome but there are enough personnel on that played well last season.

We'll see what the next few games bring. The Huskers looked like such a punchless at halftime. Yes, Miller's injury was a break but you've got to start somewhere.

Believe it or not, Huskers have a few edges on the Badgers

Much of the focus of Saturday's football matchup between No. 8 Nebraska and No. 7 Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium is centered around the historical significance of the Huskers making their Big Ten debut.


With the Big Ten now containing 12 teams, the conference has two divisions (Leaders and Legends). Most people favor Wisconsin to win the Leaders and Nebraska to win the Legends so this could be the first of two meetings if all goes according to plan.

Everyone from Las Vegas oddsmakers, media and message board posters have picked the Badgers to win Saturday's game. Wisconsin is a 10 point favorite as of late Thursday night.

Wisconsin's status as the favorite is understandable for three reasons: a) They are playing at home and Camp Randall Stadium is a notoriously hostile environment for visiting teams and b) the Badgers have beaten their first four opponents by a combined score of 204-34 and c) while Nebraska is 4-0 like Wisconsin they have outscored their opponents by a combined 171-88.



However, there are a few advantages that Nebraska has that very few people have taken into account.

At quarterback, Wisconsin would appear to have the edge with senior Russell Wilson over Nebraska sophomore Taylor Martinez. Wilson transfered from North Carolina State, where he played football and baseball and was the ACC Rookie of the Year. Wilson has been nothing short of spectacular in completing 69 of 91 passes for 1,136 yards, 11 touchdowns and one interception. He has also rushed 16 times for 108 yards and a score.

Martinez's passing numbers have not been spectacular as he has completed 43 of 85 tosses for 647 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. On the rushing side, he has 471 yards on 63 carries and seven touchdowns. Most importantly, his decision making and leadership, while not perfect, have improved.

While Wilson is more experienced and has the statistical advantage, in an odd sort of way, Martinez has an advantage because of his experience as starting quarterback in big games. Being the starting quarterback at Nebraska alone makes for a trial by fire because of the legacy the program has at that position such as Turner Gill, Tommie Frazier, Scott Frost and Eric Crouch. When you start as a freshman (especially quarterback) at Nebraska, you are instantly under a microscope.

Yes, Wilson shined at NC State but you simply cannot compare the pressure that a Wolfpack quarterback faces versus that of a Nebraska signal-caller. Being Wisconsin's starting QB comes with its challenges but for Wilson they haven't come in the first four games.

Martinez, meanwhile has played in four network-televised games against ranked opponents, with one being the Big 12 Conference Championship game last season.

Another edge that bodes well for Nebraska is that while the Badgers have bee very impressive on defense, the times opposing offenses have been successful is against Wisconsin's speed on the edge. Well, lack of would be a better description.

The Badgers will undoubtedly try to stack the line of scrimmage and dare Martinez to beat them with his arm. However, that does not mean that the Huskers will run the ball less. It will probably mean more sweeps, options and horizontal passes to make Wisconsin defend horizontally as well as vertically.

It also means we will likely see running back Rex Burkhead run more thann his share of Wildcat plays like last week against Wyoming.

Switching gears, while the Nebraska defense came in celebrated and hyped, the Huskers have been shockingly mediocre on that side of the ball. However, t should also be pointed out that defensive tackle Jared Crick, linebacker LaVonte David and cornerback Alfonzo Dennard have not been on the field at the same time all season. Crick sat out last week's 38-14 win over Wyoming with a concussion. Dennard returned to the lineup last week after nursing a quad injury for the first three games.

All three are expected to be in the lineup Saturday, which means Nebraska has playmakers at every level of its defense.

That means head coach Bo Pelini will not be as limited in how much of his scheme he can use. Therefore, he can throw more confusing looks with all three players in the lineup.